Alexander Stephens facts for kids
Alexander Hamilton Stephens (born February 11, 1812 – died March 4, 1883) was an important American politician from Georgia. He was known for being quite short and often sick throughout his life. Stephens owned a fair number of slaves. He served in the U.S. Congress for many years. Later, he became the Vice-President of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. After the war, he returned to serve in the U.S. Congress and even became the Governor of Georgia for a short time.
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Early Life and Political Start
Alexander Stephens was born in Georgia in 1812. He grew up to become a lawyer. He started his political career as a member of the Whig Party. From 1843 to 1859, he served as a U.S. Congressman. During this time, he was known for his strong beliefs and his skills in speaking.
Role in the Civil War
As tensions grew between the North and South, Stephens changed political parties. He joined the Constitutional Union Party and then became a Democrat. When several Southern states decided to leave the United States and form the Confederacy, Stephens was chosen as their Vice-President. He served in this role from 1861 to 1865.
During the American Civil War, Stephens often disagreed with Confederate President Jefferson Davis. He tried to find ways to end the war peacefully. However, his efforts were not successful, and the war continued until the Confederacy was defeated.
After the War
After the Civil War ended in 1865, Alexander Stephens was arrested. He was held for a short time but was soon released. He then returned to politics. He was elected back to the U.S. Congress, where he served again from 1873 to 1882.
In 1882, Stephens became the Governor of Georgia. He served only a short time before he passed away in 1883. His long career in politics showed his dedication to public service, even through difficult times in American history.
Images for kids
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President Davis' first cabinet (1861)
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Stephens depicted on a 1862 Confederate States $20 banknote
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Alexander H. Stephens Monument in front of his house, Liberty Hall.
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Alexander H. Stephens. Oil painting by John White Alexander. Published as cover of "Harper's Weekly," 27:145 (March 10, 1883).
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Statue of Stephens cast in Georgia marble by Gutzon Borglum given in 1927 to the National Statuary Hall, U.S. Capitol
See Also
In Spanish: Alexander H. Stephens para niños
